NATALIA LAFOURCADE

MUSAS: UN HOMENAJE AL FOLCLORE LATINOAMERICANO EN MANOS DE LOS MACORINOS

Who is it for?

Anyone interested in Latin folk music and its diverse sounds. This album provides listeners with a beautiful array of Latin rhythms paired with intentional and purposeful lyrics.

Is it worth listening to?

Absolutely, yes. Even if you do not understand Spanish, the Latin rhythms and powerful yet smooth vocals are enough to get anyone in the mood to sway or simply appreciate in awe.

With her seventh studio album, Musas: Un Homenaje al Folclore LatinoAmericano en Manos de Los Macorinos (Muses: A Homage to Latin American Folklore in the hands of Los Macorinos), Natalia Lafourcade presents us with another masterpiece, in which her enchanting vocals and retrospective lyrics take listeners on a journey inspired by the artistic sounds and voices of Mexico’s golden era.

In collaboration with acoustic duo Los Macorinos; Lafourcade’s intention was originally to make music for herself. What started off as a personal passion project to reinforce her identity in her roots, soon turned into an entire album which is composed of two volumes, Vol 1 and Vol 2. This album pays homage to Latin American folk music and includes both original songs and covers. Though the majority of her inspiration draws from artists from her native country of Mexico, you’ll also find influence from some other South American artists, such as Violeta Parra, a Chilean singer. The intention with Musas was to dive deep into her Latin roots--a celebration of culture and history. Aware that her following (which is composed mostly of the younger generation) may not fully grasp or be aware of the traditional sounds or artists of the country, Lafourcade believed that through her songs, she would be able to connect them with the great music that came before their time. Through her work and beautiful renditions, she introduces and preserves the classics that inspired her music career, passing them down to the next generation for years to come.

This album in particular is very dear to me, as it accompanied me through a big life transition. I was moving out of my parents’ house for the very first time, and during my search, I remember feeling very anxious as I did not know what to expect. As if that was not enough, little did I know that the world would soon be going into lockdown. I ended up moving out in April 2020; 2 weeks after the start of the pandemic here in the US. To say I was anxious and scared would be an understatement. Through the good and the bad days, this album helped me stay grounded and provided a much-needed sense of comfort when everything around me seemed uncertain.

We all have come across songs or albums that become tied to particular moments in our life. This album is one of those for me, as it became the soundtrack to my life during that period of time. Due to its versatility, there is something for everyone to connect with. If you are happy, you can dance to the rhythms of the guitar, bass, and percussion, while getting lost in Natalia’s beautifully enchanting voice. Just as I would whenever I felt bouts of happiness and relief that the roommates I had found off of Craigslist turned out to be great (and not serial killers), or when celebrating the fact that I finally had a space to call my own. If you are feeling sad, you can lay in bed, close your eyes, and listen to her lyrics, which are filled with love, nostalgia, and melancholy. Just as I did whenever I was filled with anxiety, fear, and loneliness because the world was in chaos and I was isolated from my family. This album provides the songs for both moods.

However you are feeling,

I hope that her beautiful voice, carefully crafted lyrics, and gentle rhythms strike a chord with you.

If you want a clear example of how Lafourcade’s music and lyrics connect listeners to deeper inner thoughts and feelings, take a listen to “Soledad y el Mar”. The second track on the album and my personal favorite. In this track, her lyrics hit home, as listeners are taken to a state of reflection. It is a song about loneliness, and how the past, present, and future all coexist at the same time. Through her lyrics, you can hear Natalia’s mesmerizing voice longing for someone. She sings with the purpose of inviting listeners to dive deep into their feelings, as she expresses through her song the idea of loneliness and solitude. Her use of imagery as she describes these feelings in reference to the sea makes this song even more powerful. Much of how I felt during the time of my move is encapsulated by her words in this song, and if you are like me, or if you’ve ever felt alone, you may find listening to the lyrics comforting; knowing that others --even great artists like Lafourcade-- have experienced and lived through these sometimes dark and difficult feelings.

Whether at home or on a drive, let Natalia’s captivating voice take you on a journey to your feels…

My recommendations:

“Soledad y el Mar “

“Rocio de Todos Los Campos”

“Tonada de Luna Llena”

“Vals Poetico”

Want to groove? Check out these songs:

“Tu Si Sabes Quererme”

“Mi Tierra Veracruzana”

“Te vi Pasar”

9.4/10

(10/10 would recommend )

P.S.- This song below encapsulates the essence of Natalia’s playfulness, artistic sound, and pride in her Latin roots. Enjoy and bask in the beauty.